Saturday, August 18, 2012

The Yankees announced today that they will be sending Austin Romine, Slade Heathcott, and David Adams to the Arizona Fall League this coming offseason. This does not come as a surprise, not to me anyway, for many reasons. The main reason being that all of these guys have been injured for significant time not only this season but last season as well.

Austin Romine obviously missed almost all of this season with a back injury that has now been diagnosed as healed. He could use the extra at bats and seasoning behind the plate. Not to mention that we have a big decision, and gaping hole, at catcher this offseason with Russell Martin being a free agent. We have Francisco Cervelli in the minors available if need be but he does not project to be a starting catcher in the major leagues. Austin Romine is still considered major league ready even with this year almost lost, even with the season lost, not that he does not need seasoning.

David Adams has lost parts of a the past few seasons due to injury but has had an overall terrific and healthy season this year. David now seems to be on the fast track to the majors as a utility infielder player so I see why they would want him in the AFL. He is also learning a new position, third base, since he is blocked by Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez is aging. He could use the rep's at third base as well so that would not hurt.

Slade Heathcott has missed parts of the last three seasons due to various shoulder injuries. His "all out" and "balls to the wall" kind of reckless play is really appreciated until you get injured. He was so promising when drafted and maybe he has finally turned the corner with his health.

Others guys that can possibly go, because each team gets to send seven players to the Arizona Fall League, are pitchers Dan Burawa (@GreedyStripes follower on twitter :D ) if his oblique heals in time, Mark Montgomery, Preston Claiborne, Branden Pinder, Zach Nuding, Tommy Kahnle, and Matt Tracy. Interestingly enough though teams are only allowed to send one Single-A player to the AFL and I am shocked it is Heathcott and not, say, Dante Bichette Jr.

The rivalry is renewed once again this afternoon as the New York Yankees host the Boston Red Sox in the second game of a three game weekend set. On the mound for the Yankees will be David Phelps who is replacing CC Sabathia or the second consecutive time in his rotation spot. Hopefully, not that David has not pitched great all season long, this will be the last time he has to start to replace CC this season. On the mound for the Red Sox is Jon Lester. The game will be televised at 4:05 pm ET on Fox, which for some reason never bodes well for us.

I made the joke a few days ago that the Yankees had $100 million tied up into players currently on the DL and it got me thinking about just how much the Yankees have lost, games wise and fiscally, to the disabled list this season. Here are your results... look with caution.

I do not know why MLB.com still shows Austin Romine on the 60 Day DL but they know better then I would I guess...

That is not mentioning all the time that guys not currently on the DL that have missed games like Nick Swisher(8), Mark Teixeira (7), Robinson Cano(2), Eric Chavez(7), Eduardo Nunez(60), Russell Martin (10), David Robertson (28), and Joba Chamberlain(113).

The Yankees currently have $78.71 million tied up in players on the disabled list. That is more payroll then TEN entire teams this season. These players, combined, has missed a staggering 994 games! If you include the guys that have missed time but not on the DL or not currently on the DL that staggering number goes up to 1229 games. That is nearing a 10 seasons worth of games in one season and will be by the time those 60 day DL guys miss the rest of the season.

All that and we are in the discussion for best record in the American League and have a very comfortable lead in the AL East. It must be all that buying of players and championships and less about the scouting and minor leagues. I did not write this for anyone to feel sorry for us but , in fact, I moreso wrote this because of all the people making excuses for teams like the Phillies and the Red Sox. If we can keep our head above water then so can you.

CC Sabathia threw off flat ground for the first time on Thursday since going to the DL with left elbow tightness. Today, Saturday, he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session off of a full mound. This is a significant step and shows us that the throwing session on Thursday went well. He is still on schedule to come off the DL next Friday against the Cleveland Indians on 8/24.